![]() ![]() Their ability as predators to maintain this balance amongst the animal members of marine communities means that sharks are absolutely essential for the health and balance of marine ecosystems, and also biodiversity. ![]() Smaller sharks predominantly fulfill roles in the food chain that makes biologists call them “meso-predators.” They occupy lower rungs of the food chain, but nevertheless exert important pressure on populations of fish, squid, crabs and other marine invertebrates, not allowing any one group to grow too abundant and thus upsetting the delicate balance. They are what we call “apex” predators, and being the ones at the top means they keep all of the other levels below them in balance. ![]() īut why are sharks important to the ecosystem, and why is shark conservation important?Īs most of us all know, large sharks like great white and tiger sharks are at the top of ocean food chains. Maligned for centuries as mindless killing machines, it’s only been very recently in the history of the human race that we’ve come to realise that not only this is not at all the case, but we’ve been beginning to learn that sharks are vitally important to ocean ecosystems. To say mankind’s relationship with sharks is complicated, is a massive understatement. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |